Introduction

Located in Berkshire, England, the town of Newbury is home to almost 50,000 inhabitants and is best known for its top class racecourse. The town centre is awash with impressive 17th century buildings and is intersected by both the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal, on whose banks visitors can enjoy a picnic or an afternoon stroll.
Offering beautiful countryside in the surrounding area, Newbury also has several hotspots in the town itself, from shops and eateries to museums and historical landmarks. Newbury tends to experience pleasant summers, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the late teens and early twenties. Winter and autumn can be wet though.

Ideal car

Economy
Newbury town centre is compact enough to walk around but a small car is invaluable if you intending to visit the surrounding countryside, where many of the town’s attractions are located.

Driving in Newbury

L

Road Driving Side

30mph

Urban Speed Limit

60mph

Rural Speed Limit

70mph

Motorway Speed Limit

Important things to note

Newbury is prone to high levels of traffic during peak periods, although the town is significantly less congested than the likes of London and Reading.
There are over 2,000 parking spaces dotted around the town, but drivers should expect to pay a small fee to use them.
If wanting to explore the surrounding countryside, a car is an absolute necessity as public transport is sparse at the best of times.

Highlights & Hotspots

Located six miles from Newbury, Highclere Castle was designed by Houses of Parliament architect Sir Charles Barry and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Famous for being the location of popular TV series Downton Abbey, the castle has impressive artworks among other things.
Hosting a series of regular live events, including film screenings, theatre productions and comedy shows, the Corn Exchange is Newbury’s premier events location. The venue consists of a 120-seat auditorium and an art gallery and makes for the ideal place to spend an evening.
Every Thursday and Saturday, a street market is held in the town’s centrally located Market Place. Consisting of a number of stalls selling various local goods, visitors can mingle with the locals and peruse their own leisure.
Newbury’s bi-monthly farmers market, boasting an array of fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses amongst other things, is also worth paying a visit to if you’re in the area. Be sure to bring a few bags if you feel like splurging!

Airport Information

Newbury does not have its own airport, however there are plenty within close proximity. The closest and most easily accessible of these is London Heathrow; one of the world‚Äôs largest airports, offering a huge selection of flights to various destinations around the globe.If going there by car, you can reach the airport via the M4 motorway. It will connect via the 339 and the A34. It is some 35 miles east of Newbury.